Penile Yeast Infection: Symptoms Treatment And More
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What is a penile yeast infection?
A yeast infection is often thought of as a female health problem, but it can affect anyone, including men. A penile yeast infection, if not treated, can lead to a wide range of painful, uncomfortable, and potentially embarrassing symptoms. It can also lead to serious complications if the infection spreads into your bloodstream.
Over-the-counter medications can often clear up a yeast infection, and some basic prevention steps can help you avoid this fairly common condition.
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Can Condoms Go Out Of Date
Yes, condoms can go out of date, and like food products they come stamped with an expiration date. If you take a look at the little foil packet your condom comes wrapped in, youll notice that the expiration date is printed right on the packet.
Youre going to want to pay attention to that expiration date, because if you use a condom after that date has passed then youre going to be at higher risk of catching STDs or having an unwanted pregnancy.
Just think of it in exactly the same way as food expiration dates, you wouldnt drink milk thats a month out of date, so why would you use an out of date condom? Just pick up some new ones and get down to it!
When Should You See A Doctor About A Yeast Infection
If youre unsure if you have a yeast infection or if its the first time youve had symptoms, its a good idea to visit your doctor.
You should also speak to your doctor if you think you have a yeast infection and:
- the symptoms keep coming back
- treatment doesnt work
- youre pregnant or breastfeeding
- you have a weakened immune system, due to chemotherapy, HIV or diabetes, for example
Your doctor will be able to help you identify what might be causing the infection, do some tests if necessary and recommend the best course of treatment.
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Do Condoms Cause Yeast Infections
If you often suffer from vaginal yeast infections, you may be asking yourself if it may be caused by condoms. There are a few reasons why condoms could cause a yeast infection or yeast infection-like symptoms. Consider the following factors:
- If the condoms that you and your partner use contain Nonoxynol-9, they could actually trigger a yeast infection. This spermicidal lubricant is linked to inducing yeast infections and also to increase your risk of contracting HIV and causing vaginal lesions.
For these reasons Nonoxynol-9, before in widespread use, has been withdrawn from most condoms and lubricants, but its also worth checking the ingredient list before buying your condoms. The condoms that definitely dont contain any Nonoxynol-9 are Durex condoms.
- Another reason why you may be suffering from unpleasant symptoms, such as itching and burning, after a sexual intercourse using a condom may be a latex allergy. In order to test it, you can switch to non-latex condoms and see if your symptoms improve.
- Another reason why condoms may be causing unpleasant symptoms is that they may contain other ingredients that irritate your skin. Those ingredients include glycerin, parabens, and benzocaine. Irritated skin is more prone to micro injuries which in turn create perfect conditions for yeast to thrive and trigger a yeast infection. You can avoid contact with these irritating chemicals by using 100% natural chemical free condoms by Glyde.
Changes In Your Sex Life
While a yeast infection is not an STI, having sex more frequently than usual or with a new partner can change the vaginas pH and introduce new bacteria and fungus, explains Dr. Cackovic, altering the Candida levels and causing an infection.
Speaking of sex and yeast infections, if youve ever wondered whether its safe to have sex when you have one, weve got you covered. Everything you need to know is here.
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What Are Vaginal Yeast Infections
Theyâre itchy and uncomfortable, and no one really likes to talk about them. But vaginal yeast infections are very common in women. Itâs estimated that 75% of women will have at least one yeast infection in their lifetime.
Though yeast infections can happen to anyone at any time, there are certain things that make getting them more likely. Most infections can be cleared up quickly and easily.
The normally contains a healthy balance of bacteria and yeast. The hormoneestrogen helps bacteria called lactobacilli to grow. These bacteria kill harmful organisms in the and keep you healthy. But when something happens to tip that balance, a fungus called candida can grow out of control and cause a yeast infection.
How Is A Yeast Infection Treated
Yeast infections are usually treated with antifungal medicine. See your doctor or nurse to make sure that you have a vaginal yeast infection and not another type of infection.
Your doctor or nurse can also give you a single dose of antifungal medicine taken by mouth, such as fluconazole . If you get more than four vaginal yeast infections a year, or if your yeast infection doesn’t go away after using over-the-counter treatment, you may need to take regular doses of antifungal medicine for up to six months.
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When To Talk To Your Doctor
A yeast infection is usually not very concerning and is easily treated. However, yeast infections can be recurrent in at-risk individuals and people who do not avoid specific triggers such as poor hygiene.
You should consider seeing a healthcare provider for your symptoms if:
- You have a yeast infection for the first time.
- You are unsure about the diagnosis.
- Your symptoms do not improve with over-the-counter antifungal medication.
- You have three or more episodes in less than a year.
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How To Handle A Condom Allergy
Although condoms can protect against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, they also can be a health concern.
Only 1 percent of the population is allergic to or sensitive to latex. But people who are often exposed to the material have an increased risk of developing the allergy, according to a 2009 study published in the American Family Physician journal. Latex is used to make most mainstream condoms. Many women and men who experience rashes or pain during intercourse may not even realize the culprit is the latex condom.
In honor of National Condom Month, users should know what the signs and symptoms of a latex allergy or sensitivity are. Symptoms can range from mild to severe.
As with many allergies, common symptoms including burning and itching and a mild to moderate rash could appear eight hours after intercourse.
Condoms can aggravate urinary tract infections and yeast infections in women with a latex allergy. While an allergy cannot cause an infection and the correlation is rare, women who have recurrent infections may need to be tested for an allergy.
If youre unsure about latex, take the time to investigate whether the material is your friend or foe.
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How K Health Can Help
Having signs of a yeast infection but dont want to go all the way to the doctors office?
Did you know that you can get yeast infection treatment online through K Health?
We have clinicians available 24/7 to get you the care or medication that you need.
K Health has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references.
Yeast Infections & Sex: Your Questions Answered
Vaginal yeast infections affect approximately 1 million women in the United States each year. Although these infections are not considered sexually transmitted infections , sex can increase the risk of developing a yeast infection. Yeast infections can also make sex painful or uncomfortable. Happily, once diagnosed, most cases of yeast infections are easily treated with medication.
In this article, Ill describe the common symptoms and causes of yeast infections. Ill also cover whether yeast infections can spread between sexual partners and when its recommended to resume penetrative or oral sex after a yeast infection. Finally, Ill explain when its important to reach out to your provider for medical advice.
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Can You Get A Yeast Infection From Sex
Yeast infections can occur because of sexual intercourse. However, they are not sexually transmissible from one partner to the other. To find out more, continue reading below.
For women, yeast infections can be a part of life. Statistics show that 3 in every 4 women will experience one at some point throughout their lives. It is a common misconception that yeast infections are Sexually Transmitted Infections , as they can occur for a variety of reasons.
What Treatment Options Are Available
If youre sure you have a yeast infection, you may be able to treat it with an over-the-counter cream such as miconazole or butoconazole .
There are alsohome remedies you can try, though the clinical data on how effective they are is mixed.
Wearing breathable cotton underwear can help ease discomfort while you wait for your symptoms to clear. Taking warm baths with Epsom salt may also help relieve itching.
Once youve started treatment, your yeast infection should clear within three to seven days. Make sure you continue the full course of treatment to ensure the infection has completely cleared.
If your symptoms persist, see your doctor or other healthcare provider. They can confirm whether your symptoms are the result of a yeast infection and prescribe an oral treatment or stronger antifungal suppository.
If you dont see improvement within a week of treatment, see your doctor or other healthcare provider. They can prescribe stronger medication to help clear the infection.
You should also see your doctor if:
- your symptoms worsen
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Vaginal Yeast Infections: What Are They And How To Prevent Them
Vaginal yeast infections are highly treatable, with proper and timely treatment the symptoms can disappear as early as a few days, but in some cases, they may take a few weeks to go away.
Contrary to myths, vaginal yeast infections do not come under sexually transmitted diseases or STDs since these usually spread with sexual contact. Whereas in the case of yeast infections apart from sexually active women, they can also occur in women that are not sexually active. Moreover, those women that have previously had yeast infections are more likely to get them again.
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How Long Should You Wait After Treatment
Having sex while undergoing treatment for a yeast infection may slow down the healing process.
Also, if a persons partner develops a yeast infection, it is possible that the infection will get passed back and forth. A person should generally avoid sexual activity until all the symptoms clear up.
Yeast infections usually clear relatively rapidly once a person begins treatment. Many over-the-counter treatment options require up to
- swelling of the labia
- white, clumpy discharge
When left untreated, the symptoms will typically get worse. However, some mild yeast infections may get better without treatment.
People can often treat a yeast infection at home using OTC remedies. These treatments usually contain one of the following ingredients:
When a person develops a yeast infection for the first time, they should see a doctor to ensure they receive the correct diagnosis and treatment.
People should also seek medical advice if OTC treatments are not effective. A doctor may recommend alternative treatments, including oral medication.
Finally, a person should seek medical attention if they:
- have four or more yeast infections in a year
5 sourcescollapsed
- Bitew, A., & Abebaw, Y. . Vulvovaginal candidiasis: Species distribution of Candida and their antifungal susceptibility pattern. BMC Women’s Health, 18, 94
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Is It Safe To Have Oral Sex When You Have A Yeast Infection
By | June 20, 2013, 12:19 p.m.
Category:
Is it safe to have oral sex if you have a yeast infection.
If you do have sex, use a dental dam for oral sex or a condom for vaginal sex. And if you get yeast infections regularly, its a good idea to use dental dams and condoms in general, to avoid contact with the yeast in your partners body.
While they can be uncomfortable, yeast infections are really common and easy to treat. If youve had yeast infections before and recognize the symptoms, you can find treatment over the counter at your local drugstore. If youve never had a yeast infection before or want to make sure thats what youve actually got, visit your health care provider/local Planned Parenthood health center so that you can get treatment and start feeling better as soon as possible. Learn more about yeast infections.
Tags:oral sex, safer sex, vaginitis, yeast infection
Planned Parenthood delivers vital reproductive health care, sex education, and information to millions of people worldwide. Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc. is a registered 501 nonprofit under EIN 13-1644147. Donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowable under the law.
How To Prevent Spreading A Yeast Infection
People who have yeast infections can take several steps to avoid spreading a potential infection to their partner. These strategies include:
- Avoiding sex until your yeast infection heals
- Showering before and after sex
- Not sharing unlaundered underwear or unwashed sex toys
In general, the best way to avoid a yeast infection is to maintain a healthy lifestyle for your skin with these suggestions:
- Avoid eating too many sugary foods, as sugar feeds yeast
- Shower and brush your teeth regularly
- Wear clean, loose, cotton underwear
- Drink plenty of water to avoid a dry mouth
- Use unscented soaps and water to wash your genitals
- Avoid sitting for too long in a swimsuit, jockstrap, or tight bicycle shorts. These clothing items trap heat, sweat, and moisture, all of which can encourage Candida to grow on your skin.
- If prescribed an antibiotic, eat foods rich in probiotics to balance the bacteria in your body
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Can I Get A Yeast Infection From Breastfeeding
Yes. Yeast infections can happen on your nipples or in your breast from breastfeeding. Yeast thrive on milk and moisture. A yeast infection you get while breastfeeding is different from a vaginal yeast infection. However, it is caused by an overgrowth of the same fungus.
Symptoms of thrush during breastfeeding include:
- Sore nipples that last more than a few days, especially after several weeks of pain-free breastfeeding
- Flaky, shiny, itchy, or cracked nipples
- Deep pink and blistered nipples
- Shooting pain in the breast during or after feedings
If you have any of these signs or symptoms or think your baby might have thrush in his or her mouth, call your doctor. Learn more about thrush in our Breastfeeding section.
For The Last Few Months Every Time I Have Sex With A Condom I Get An Irritation Similar To A Yeast Infection In The Few Days Following I Generally Get Yeast Infections So I Know The Symptoms But This Is Slightly Different Where Its More Inflamed And Has Less Discharge Im Worried That I May Have Developed A Condom Allergyis That Something That Can Develop If So Are There Specific Symptoms I Should Be Looking For What Other Options Are There If It Turns Out To Be A Condom Allergyallergy Or Infection
Condom allergies are usually actually an allergy to latex, which the majority of condoms are made of. Like any other kind of allergy, latex allergies can develop but theyre pretty rare and affect only about one per cent of the population.
In the case of a mild, non-life threatening allergy, symptoms typically appear 12 to 24 hours after exposure and can include typical allergy symptoms like itching, rash and hives, with the additional possibility of yeast infections.
Some of these allergy symptoms can look the same as yeast infection symptoms, and disruptions to your vaginal environment are generally what lead to yeast infections, so theres also no reason to assume thats not whats happening. While you may know what a yeast infection looks like, they can also be slightly different depending on the severity.
The only way to know for sure is to see a doctor when you have symptoms. They can examine you and take a vaginal culture to see if you test positive for a yeast infection.
Most doctors will be able to tell and treat you just from examining your symptoms, but if this is a recurring problem and youre concerned about a possible allergy its always best to let your doctor know and go from there.
First, switch condoms. If youve been using the same brand since this problem started you could just be reacting to the lubricant. Switch to a different brand and see if you notice a difference.
Melissa Fuller, @mel_ful
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Condoms Lubes Sex Toys And Yeast Infections
We hate to say it but there is a complicated relationship between yeast infections and condoms, lube, and sex toys. All of these things that make your sex life spicy when youre feeling good actually have the potential to trigger a yeast infection. And yet, some of them may also help keep yeast away. We told you it was complicated. Heres what you need to know.